hombre
1 Americannoun
noun
noun
noun
Etymology
Origin of hombre
First recorded in 1830–40; from Spanish, by dissimilation and intrusion of b, from unattested Vulgar Latin omne, for Latin hominem, accusative of homō “man”; see Homo
Explanation
Hombre is an informal way to say "man" or "guy." If your hockey team can't score a single goal thanks to the other team's fearless goalkeeper, you might say, "That goalie is one tough hombre!" In Spanish, hombre means "man." During the 17th century it became a North American slang term for a man of Mexican descent. Later, the word was used more broadly to mean "fellow" or "guy," becoming especially popular during the heyday of Hollywood westerns (one of which was actually titled Hombre). The word takes on an offensive connotation when it's used in a "mock Spanish" context, or to denigrate someone who's Hispanic or Latino.
Vocabulary lists containing hombre
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
In one of the most anticipated sequels in the history of the MCU, one that somehow still exists despite the loss of Chadwick Boseman, Huerta is el hombre.
From Washington Post • Nov. 12, 2022
Poco después, un hombre de 25 años llamado Kyle acudió a ver a King para el tratamiento de la psoriasis.
From New York Times • Jun. 14, 2022
Cibrián Jaramillo y muchas otras personas, incluyendo mujeres que alegan haber sido acosadas por Vielle Calzada, lo describen como un hombre brillante y encantador.
From Science Magazine • Oct. 5, 2021
He's a very dangerous hombre with big, big power and he can close the distance quickly.
From BBC • Oct. 4, 2021
John Ashcroft, our homeland security hombre with the heavy brow and the oh-so-serious, tuned-into-all-things-terrorist face, actually offered America a steady, if guarded, smile.
From "Anthem of a Reluctant Prophet" by Joanne Proulx
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
